Branches in a Blue Vase

A striking and expressive mid-century still life, executed in oil onto board by the established Swedish artist Gunnar Johnsson (1917–2007), whose artworks have represented in public collections including the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Sweden, the Moderna Museet in Stockholm, and the Skåne Art Association.

The painting depicts a cluster of slender and elegant branches with fresh green leaves arranged in a patterned blue vase, placed against a softly muted background. The composition is both simple and dynamic: balanced by a small yellow form in the lower right, perhaps a lemon, which introduces a bold contrast of colour and geometry.

Rendered in thick, confident brushstrokes, the artist’s impasto technique gives the surface a rich texture, while the interplay between earthy browns, cool blues, and mossy greens evokes an organic harmony. The background, layered in sage, light yellow and beige tones, creates a sense of depth without overt detail, allowing the arrangement to stand as a sculptural focal point.

The overall style reflects the sensibilities of mid-century modernism: abstracted yet rooted in observation – where everyday objects are distilled to their essence through shape, tone, and texture.

This oil on board is presented in a complementary gilt frame with red undertones and an inner cream border. Both the painting and frame are in excellent vintage condition. 

Size:  73 x 42 cm (including frame)